(in) the devil

(in) the devil

Used as an intensifier after a question word (who, what, where, when, why, and how) to express extreme confusion, surprise, or aggravation. And just how the devil am I supposed to have three reports done by 9 AM tomorrow?Where in the devil did you find that rusty old car?Who the devil is making all that noise?

the devil

Particularly difficult, arduous, or unpleasant. My husband's handwriting is the devil to read.This cake is always the devil to get out of the pan, so it always ends up looking like a mess by the time I'm done.

What the devil?

and What the fuck?; What the hell?; What the shit?

What has happened?; What? (Often with the force of an exclamation. What the fuck? and What the shit? are taboo.) What the devil? Who put sugar in the salt shaker? What the fuck? Who are you? What are you doing in my room? What the shit are you doing here? You're supposed to be at work.

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